Intrigue, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Intrigued; p. pr. & vb. n. Intriguing.] — Webster enters it under “intrigue”
Etymology: [F. intriguer, OF. intriquer, entriquer; cf. It. intrigare. See Intricate, Extricate.]
1. To form a plot or scheme; to contrive to accomplish a purpose by secret artifice.
2. To carry on a secret and illicit love or amour.
2 other Webster entries under this spelling
Intrigue, v. t.
To fill with artifice and duplicity; to complicate; to embarrass. [Obs.] How doth it [sin] perplex and intrique the whole course of your lives! Dr. J. Scott.
Intrigue, n.
1. Intricacy; complication. [Obs.] Sir M. Hale.
2. A complicated plot or scheme intended to effect some purpose by secret artifice; conspiracy; stratagem. Busy meddlers with intrigues of state. Pomfret.
3. The plot or romance; a complicated scheme of designs, actions, and events. Pope.
4. A secret and illicit love affair between two persons of different sexes; an amour; a liaison. The hero of a comedy is represented victorious in all his intrigues. Swift.
Syn. -- Plot; scheme; conspiracy; machination.
Shades of meaning
Fernald lists intriguing only as an antonym, under candid.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.